There’s a voice in my head that I’ve gotten to know pretty well. It’s the voice that shows up right before a social event or a new experience. You know the one—it says, “Why not just stay home? It’s cozy, and you could do something productive instead.” It’s convincing, logical even. Yesterday, it nearly won.
As a new member of my rowing club, I had signed up for a meeting about improving the club and attracting new members. It sounded interesting when I registered, but as the evening approached, doubts crept in. “What if I don’t know anyone? What if my Dutch isn’t good enough to follow the discussion? What if it’s awkward?”
Spoiler alert: I went anyway. And I’m so glad I did.
Showing Up Matters
I arrived at the boathouse at 8 PM, unsure of what to expect. There were about ten people there—longtime members of the club and a moderator. The meeting kicked off with discussions about how to make the club more inviting and retain members. And then, to my surprise, the spotlight turned to me.
As a new member, they were eager to hear my perspective. What had my first impressions been? What had made me feel welcome? What could the club do better for people like me? Suddenly, I wasn’t just observing—I was contributing.
A Fresh Perspective
We even did some role-playing about welcoming new members, sharing feedback on how to make those first interactions more positive. It struck me how much they valued my input as someone who had just gone through that experience. For expats like me, those initial moments of being welcomed and included can make all the difference.
By the end of the meeting, I’d gotten to know more members, shared meaningful ideas, and felt like I’d made a real impact. And the best part? They appreciated my contributions and enthusiasm.
Winning the Battle Against Doubt
Would any of this have happened if I’d listened to that voice telling me to stay home? Absolutely not. On my way to the club, I almost turned around. The excuses felt reasonable at the time—who would blame me for skipping out on a meeting where I wasn’t sure I’d fit in? But ignoring that voice led to something far more rewarding.
This isn’t just about rowing clubs or expat life. It’s about those little moments in life where showing up makes all the difference. It’s about pushing past the initial hesitation and giving yourself the chance to connect, contribute, and grow.
What About You?
Have you ever had a moment where you almost let doubt win, but decided to show up anyway? I’d love to hear your story. Sometimes, all it takes is a leap of faith—or in my case, a paddle in the right direction.
